Everything You Need to Know About Filing a Car Accident Claim in Atlanta, Georgia

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If you’ve been in a car accident, it’s likely you’re thinking about filing an insurance claim. When it comes to medical expenses and vehicle repairs that were a result of a negligent driver’s actions, you have the right to seek compensation for these damages. So, how does one manage a car accident claim in Atlanta?

At Ross Moore Law, our Atlanta-area attorneys are here to help file your claim, handle the insurance company on your behalf, and get you the compensation you deserve. Read on to learn more about filing a claim after your car accident in Atlanta.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Atlanta   

With the hustle and bustle of Atlanta traffic, car accidents are a common occurrence. In the event that you’re a victim of a car accident near Atlanta, it’s important to know what steps to take following the collision.

Immediately following the accident, make sure you and your passengers are not injured then move your vehicle out of traffic, if possible. Then, check on the other people involved in the accident and call 911 to report the accident. 

Once emergency responders arrive, seek medical attention even if you don’t believe you are injured. Discuss the events of the accident with the police for the police report and make sure to get the name and badge number of the officer making the report. Also, get contact information and insurance information from the other drivers involved, as well as the names and contact information of any witnesses. Take as many photos as you can of the accident scene, both your vehicle and the other vehicles involved, and the surrounding conditions.

After the accident, see your doctor to follow up on any injuries or to have a record that you sought out medical care as soon as possible just in case any symptoms show up days later. You will need to contact your insurance company to report the accident. When it comes to filing a claim with your insurance company to recover damages, talk with an experienced personal injury attorney to ensure you get the money you deserve. 

How to Prove Fault in a Car Accident Claim in Atlanta    

To receive compensation for your damages, you must first prove the other driver was at fault for the accident. The specific details of your accident will help prove the negligence or wrongdoing of the other driver involved. Your attorney will examine the details of your case, study the accident report, talk with witnesses, and uncover the evidence that points to the other driver’s negligence.

Georgia is an at-fault state, which means if a driver is found to be at fault, their insurance company pays for the damages. Points that can be argued to prove fault include:

–       Other driver violated traffic laws.

–       Driver was inattentive while on the road and those actions led to the accident in some way.

–       The other driver was distracted by using their phone, eating, drowsiness, etc.

–       They were operating their vehicle under the influence or while impaired.

How to File a Car Accident Claim     

The first step of filing your car accident claim is contacting an experienced attorney to help you navigate the process. You will work with your legal counsel as they investigate your claim and build your case. This investigation includes obtaining the accident report, gathering evidence, taking photos at the scene of the accident, and getting reconstruction experts to reconstruct the accident scene. The photos you took of the accident scene, property damage, and your injuries on the day of the accident will come in handy during this part of the process.

There is unfortunately a lot of paperwork involved when filing a claim, so that’s why it’s beneficial to have an attorney by your side who will handle it for you. There is a statute of limitations for filing a claim, so your Atlanta accident attorney will ensure your claim is filed within Georgia’s statute and before the deadline.

Once the claim is filed, your attorney will then begin negotiations with the insurance companies. Negotiating is an important part of the claims process, as this is where most accident claims are settled. Your attorney will present the evidence they gathered during the investigation stage and make their case for why you deserve compensation.

From here, the insurance company will likely make an offer, and you and your attorney will either accept it, counteroffer, or proceed to trial if a settlement cannot be agreed upon.

Have You Been in a Car Accident? Contact Ross Moore Law Today! 

If you or a loved one has been in a car accident and are thinking about filing a claim, let our expert personal injury legal team at Ross Moore Law guide you. We’ll make sure you get the settlement you deserve, fight for you in the courtroom, and handle the insurance companies on your behalf.

Looking for a local personal injury attorney to handle your case? Our team at Ross Moore Law is eager to put our experience to work for you. Call us today or book a free consultation online! 

Conveniently located in the heart of Atlanta, GA, we are proud to serve clients throughout the surrounding areas of Athens, Alpharetta, Peachtree Corners, Marietta and more! In addition to Georgia clients, we welcome Tennessee clients as well! Get in touch today.

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What is the Burden of Proof? Personal Injury Lawyer Explain 

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When you’ve been in an accident, it’s important to know what you need in order to be properly compensated for your injuries and damages. At Ross Moore Law, we’re dedicated to providing the burden of proof in your case to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. 

What is the Burden of Proof? 

In personal injury law, the burden of proof is the “preponderance of the evidence.” Both criminal and civil cases require a burden of proof. For personal injury cases, the burden of proof is how the injured party convinces the judge or jury that “more likely than not” their version of the event is accurate. 

In personal injury cases, the plaintiff, or injured person, must prove that what happened is “more likely than not” accurate instead of being proved “beyond reasonable doubt,” which is what is heard in criminal cases.

Who Has the Burden of Proof in a Personal Injury Case?

In a personal injury case, the plaintiff is who brings evidence against the defendant, so it’s the plaintiff who has the burden of proof. The plaintiff and their legal team bring in testimonies, evidence, and carefully crafted arguments to prove their side of the story is the accurate version.

The plaintiff’s attorney will present their proof in a convincing argument, and hopefully, meet the judge’s and jury’s standard for the burden of proof. This is where your attorney will present proof of medical treatment, lost wages, suffering, incident or accident reports, and more to the judge and jury. 

Why Does the Burden of Proof Matter? 

The burden of proof is an important aspect of getting the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering. Imagine if someone was accusing you of something you didn’t do. You would gather evidence of your alibi, work schedule, and maybe even phone records and location if you knew that would prove you were not involved.

The burden of proof is you and your legal team’s way of painting the picture of the incident to make sure your truth gets told accurately. Your case is important to you, especially when you’ve had to deal with missing work, pain, medical treatment, or depression. You deserve a team who is going to fight for you. 

Need a Good Atlanta Personal Injury Attorney, Choose Ross Moore Law Today!

Understanding the ins-and-outs of personal injury law can be confusing, but that is why our professional lawyers at Ross Moore Law are always willing to help. Attorney Ross Moore and our legal team will walk with you every step of the way to make sure you know what is happening in your case.

Looking for a local personal injury attorney to handle your case? We’re eager to put our experience to work for you. Call us today or book a free consultation online! 

Conveniently located in the heart of Atlanta, GA, we are proud to serve clients throughout the surrounding areas of Athens, Alpharetta, Peachtree Corners, Marietta and more! In addition to Georgia clients, we welcome Tennessee clients as well! Get in touch today.

Ross Moore Law has experience handling the following types of personal injury cases: 

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19 Tips for Keeping Your Family Safe on the Atlanta Beltline

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Pedestrian Safety and Driver Safety: There are countless reasons Atlanta residents are proud to call our city home – from its thriving cultural scene to its booming economy. With so many claims to fame, Atlanta, GA attracts an impressive 57 million visitors each year! Tourists and locals alike enjoy the opportunity to trade the bustling streets for our city’s green spaces, like the Atlanta Beltline!

This popular spot for walking and biking includes 22 miles of unused railroad tracks that circle our city. In addition to trails and parks, the Beltline has become the site of many popular Atlanta restaurants. 

With so many people enjoying all the area has to offer, it’s important to keep your family’s safety in mind. Here at Ross Moore Law, our accident attorneys have compiled some Atlanta Beltline safety tips, so check them out! 

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Staying Safe on the Atlanta Beltline 

Our roads can be dangerous for pedestrians and bicyclists, with some of the nation’s most deadly highways in the Atlanta area. The Beltline should be a safe alternative for the two million people who travel it each year – but accidents happen. 

Atlanta Beltline Rules 

These rules, displayed at Beltline entrances, can help keep our community clean and safe:

  • Keep all pets on a leash and be sure to pick up after your pet.
  • No alcoholic beverages are allowed, except by a special permit.
  • No drugs or illegal substances are allowed under any circumstances.
  • If you suspect illegal activities, call 911 immediately.
  • Put all trash and recycling in the proper receptacles.
  • No horses are allowed at any time.
  • No motorized vehicles allowed (except for wheelchairs).
  • Tents or canopies are not allowed, except by a special permit.
  • No equipment that calls for independent power, except by a special permit.
  • Games and activities that could harm the landscaped area are prohibited.
  • Glass containers are not permitted.
  • No amplified music allowed, except by a special permit.
  • No selling of food or other items, except by a special permit.

Additional Safety Tips 

  • Be courteous when walking or biking.
    Stay aware of your surroundings and walk/bike with others in mind. Slower pedestrians should remain on the right side, reserving the left side for faster cyclists or runners. 
  • Call for help.
    If you see any suspicious activities occurring, do not hesitate to call 911 right away – whether it’s an injury, altercation, or any other odd behavior the Atlanta Police Department may want to know about. For non-emergencies and maintenance concerns, call and leave a detailed message at 404.477.3687. If you are able, take a photo and send it to fixit@atlbeltline.org.
  • Keep a close eye on children.
    The Atlanta Beltline can become crowded, so be sure to watch your children carefully.
  • Follow pet rules.
    If your furry friend joins you on a walk, make sure they remain on a leash at all times. Also, please pick up after your pet and keep them by your side when the path is crowded.
  • Don’t litter.
    Please do your part in keeping our community clean by disposing of all trash and recycling in the appropriate receptacles. 
  • Keep it kind.
    Our city is known for its friendly folks, so mind your manners and be courteous to those sharing the Beltline! 

Is the Atlanta Beltline Completed?

No, the Atlanta beltline is still under construction, with several projects in progress. The Southside Trail construction is one ongoing project, with the 4.5-mile corridor acquired in March of 2018. This new trail, completed in phases, will link the Eastside and Westside Trails and should be completed by next year.

Because the Beltline is a work in progress, it’s crucial to watch for work zones. And while some unpaved trails are open to the public, they should be used with caution because they lack additional lighting and have limited access points.

Call Your Trusted Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyer Today!

No matter how many safety practices you put in place, accidents still occur. If you or a loved one have been injured, contact Ross Moore Law today. Attorney Ross Moore and our legal team is equipped to handle a wide variety of personal injury cases, including car accidents, wrongful death cases, dog bites, and more. No matter how complex your personal injury claim, our law office is here to help. We will gather the evidence needed to strengthen your case, always working hard to maximize the compensation you receive – for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. If necessary, we will file a personal injury lawsuit and prepare for trial.

Ross Moore Law is conveniently located in Atlanta, Georgia – and we are proud to serve clients in Athens, Alpharetta, Marietta, Peachtree, and beyond. We also serve accident victims in Tennessee.

Send us a message to schedule your free consultation online or call 844-404-7677.  

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Most Dangerous Highways in the Atlanta Area

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Locals know that our city has plenty to offer, making it a great place to live. But as more people discover the appeal of Atlanta, it is quickly becoming a popular destination for tourists – and new families ready to put down roots. Now one of the fastest growing cities in America, Atlanta welcomes thousands of commuters, students, and tourists each day – with heavy traffic as the result. More congested roadways mean more car wrecks, increasing your risk of a dangerous collision each time you get behind the wheel.

Here at Ross Moore Law, we have seen the devastating impacts of car accidents time and time again. That’s why our Atlanta personal injury lawyers are committed to keeping you safe! However, if you are involved in a crash, our legal team is here to help. Attorney Ross Moore and our legal team are equipped to handle every aspect of your car accident case, bearing the burden so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.

Read on to learn more about Atlanta’s most dangerous roadways and how you can stay safe on them.

The Most Dangerous Highways In Atlanta, Georgia

The Peach State is home to one of the nation’s most deadly interstates: I-285. The 64-mile stretch that surrounds the city is traveled by an estimated two million drivers each day. According to a 2013 study by the National Highway Traffic Association, there are about eight serious accidents on Highway I-285 per day, earning it a top spot on the list for fatal car wrecks. In fact, I-285 has more fatal accidents per mile than any other interstate in the country! A more recent study by the American Transportation Research Institute revealed that a few of the country’s worst bottlenecks were found on I-285 as well, with I-285 at I-85 North ranking fourth on the list. 

Exercise caution while driving on these other dangerous Atlanta Area roadways:

  • Interstate 85: Spans 18 miles and runs northeast to southeast. There is a fatal crash about every two weeks.
  • Interstate 75: Spans 300 miles and is known for its alarmingly high rate of fatal truck accidents.
  • Interstate 20: Spans about 200 miles and has a high rate of fatal car accidents.
  • Interstate 16: Stretches 166 miles from Savannah and Macon and is considered one of the deadliest highways in Georgia.

How Common Are Car Accidents in Georgia?

Research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that traffic-related deaths are increasing nationwide. In Georgia, this rise in car wrecks is mostly due to the increased number of drivers clogging the roadways. In fact, over 10% of Georgia drivers have an at-fault car accident on their record – 20% higher than the national average!

According to the NHTSA, there were an estimated 901 traffic fatalities statewide in the first half of 2022 – the fourth highest in the nation. When it comes to the highest traffic fatality rate, Georgia ranks 14th, with 1.43 deaths for 100 million miles driven. 

Traffic Tips for Safe Driving in Atlanta 

These startling statistics prove that car wrecks are far too common, making it even more important to take every precaution. Our Atlanta car accident attorneys recommend the following:

  • Plan ahead if you are not familiar with the Atlanta area.
  • Never drive under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
  • Use traffic apps on your phone to stay updated on current travel times and map the best route. 
  • Be aware of upcoming events and plan accordingly.
  • Try to avoid rush hour whenever possible.
  • Follow the speed limit and maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you.
  • Watch your blind spots. 
  • Change lanes very carefully to avoid a car accident in Atlanta. 
  • Watch for exit-only lanes to make sure you stay on course.
  • Avoid potholes when you can or slow down if you need to drive over them. 

Call Your Trusted Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer!

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, our team at Ross Moore is here to help. We will fight for the damages you deserve, including maximum compensation for medical bills, vehicle repairs, pain and suffering, and more. And if the insurance company won’t pay or make a fair settlement offer, we are prepared to file a lawsuit and go to court.

Here at our local law office, we have extensive experience handling a variety of personal injury cases, including car accidents, motorcycle accidents, construction accidents, wrongful death cases, and more.

Ross Moore Law is conveniently located in Atlanta, GA – near Athens and Marietta. Our law firm also proudly serves clients in Tennessee! Call 844-404-7677 or click here to schedule your free consultation today. 

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